Lao PDR - Rural life - A portrait of an Akha Nuquie man in a remote village in Phongsaly province

A portrait of an Akha Nuquie man in Ban Chalern, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Whilst Akha women still often wear their traditional clothing every day, men usually wear Western clothing.